Osprey Horror Story

[Beverlybaynes]

I'm relying on memory here, so perhaps some other Americans can provide the location details:

About a week ago, a young Korean baseball pitcher, member of a Florida team that is part of the Chicago Cubs farm team system, was at pitching practice at a field in Florida.

A nearby resident Osprey, called Ozzy and a sort of team mascot, was at his nest platform, which could be seen from the stadium, atop a tall pole.

This young man (idiot!) started throwing pitches at the Osprey. He ignored the warnings from other team members and managers to stop, and continued to pitch at the bird. In spite of the warnings, he actually HIT the bird, severely injuring him. The bird was rescued and turned over to authorities, and the pitcher was quickly transferred to another Chicago farm team (appropriately, the Lansing Lugnuts) to get him out of town.

The story made the news on the sports page all over the country.

Just this afternoon, I read a post on the Gardenweb bird forum, saying the Osprey had died of his injuries.

I'm just heartsick -- and angered!! -- by this complete and utter stupidity!!

We can only hope that the federal authorities (being native, the Osprey is federally protected) will prosecute this idiot to the fullest extent of the law!!

By the way, this guy was signed by the Cubs to a contract totally something like $1.3 MILLION USD. Proof that money doesn't necessarily buy common sense!

And since the Lugnuts come to Fort Wayne to play our Wizards, I'm sorely tempted to find out when he'll be here and go pelt him with 3-day-old Osprey food. :gh: :storm:

[Andrew]

I hope everyone in the stadium has a ball handy to pelt him with and boo his every move!
:-C

[Cindy M]

this story came through BIRDCHAT on April 23 with a link to ESPN.com- am sorry to hear the osprey possibly died .
Copying the newsarticle---


Wednesday, April 23

Minor leaguer might face animal cruelty charges

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A minor league pitcher might face animal cruelty charges for injuring a protected bird with a thrown baseball.

Jae-kuk Ryu, a 19-year-old South Korean pitcher for the Class-A Daytona Cubs, knocked an osprey from its perch during pregame practice Monday night.

“ I just talked to one woman; she wants him deported. People have zero tolerance for this kind of thing. ”
— Joy Hill, spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The team announced Wednesday night that it sent Ryu to Lansing, Mich. of the Class-A Midwest League.

The male bird's eye was seriously injured. Ospreys are recognized by the state as a species of special concern, meaning their habitats are vulnerable. Anyone who wounds or kills an osprey can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating and plans to submit its findings to the state attorney's office next week, spokeswoman Joy Hill said.

"We've received a number of calls from an outraged public. I just talked to one woman; she wants him deported," Hill said. " have zero tolerance for this kind of thing."

Ryu isn't the first ballplayer to target a bird with a thrown ball. On Aug. 4, 1983, Yankees outfielder Dave Winfield killed a seagull in Toronto with a warmup throw. The Ontario police charged him with animal cruelty, although the charge was later dropped.

The Chicago Cubs, who signed Ryu two years ago, are conducting their own investigation to determine how the pitcher will be punished.

"I can assure you it would be more than the average citizen will receive," farm director Oneri Fleita said. "The average citizen certainly wouldn't be demoted or docked pay or fined or whatever it might be. It was certainly something we don't condone, and we will make sure that the matter is rectified to the best of our ability."

Ryu was not available for comment Wednesday. He has an 0-1 record and 3.05 ERA in four starts, with 22 strikeouts in 20-2/3 innings.

Daytona general manager Buck Rogers said the team will hold a fund-raiser for the Animal Clinic of Edgewater on Friday night. The Chicago Cubs will provide autographed balls for auction, and the Daytona Cubs will donate $1 for every fan in attendance.

[Beverlybaynes]

Well, I'm delighted to see that the Cubbies are at least making SOME amends. Most wildlife and rehab organizations can use all the financial help they can get!

I would also be delighted if Fish and Wildlife, or the Florida local, prosecute this fella -- as an example, if nothing else. Charges like this are too often dropped, possibly because they 'seem' unimportant in the face of crime and violence against humans. But if enough humans care enough, and if some public pressure is applied, perhaps this fellow can be made to pay for his error, and -- hoping against hope here -- learn from this horrific mistake.

I still wanna go fling stinky ol' fish at 'em, tho!

[Yve_M]

Oh, Beverly I am so sorry to hear that Ozzy died. I had heard about the idiot attacking him earlier in the week. One just cannot comprehend this very stupid and senselessness act. I cannot see how a $500.00 dollar fine for this act would even be close to adequate.

[IanF]

I reckon 6 months imprisonment and then deportatation would do just fine.

[Beverlybaynes]

Oh, Ian, he's a BASEBALL player! Deportation won't even be thought of! Good grief, we don't even seem able to deport suspected terrorists as times!

[simontucker]

It is a real problem - wildlife crime is not often seen as important because no people are injured or harmed. People who deliberately kill or maim the member of a protected species should be treated exactly the same way as if they had done the same action to H. sapiens - although I am against the death penalty for any dumb animal

[T0ny]

Simon, there's dumb and there's viciously abusive. Deportation is expensive, though - why not provide him with transport to the US 50-mile limit, and let him make his own way, unassisted, from there ?

Tony

[Beverlybaynes]

Interestingly (frighteningly, really), cruelty to animals is found in the history of nearly every serial killer who has had psychological studies done of their cases.

Almost without exception, these killers have a history of this, frequently beginning when quite young.

That said, I doubt seriously that this young man is a potential serial killer. I think a lot of things -- aside from monumental stupidity -- are probably at play here: showing off, lack of education about wildlife and conservation, etc., etc.

While not meaning to make a generalization, many eastern nations simply do not appear to have an ethic of conservation and preservation very deeply ingrained in their modern culture. Heaven knows, it's not all that deeply ingrained in many modern western cultures!!

However, this young man DID ignore warnings from his managers and fellow players, and went ahead. I think it's more callus stupidity than anything else.

[Denise]

Anything like this is sickening and words fail me (very unusual)
Over the years I have definitely found out that the best type of people are animal lovers.

[Paulyoly]

There are only two satisfactory punishments for this crime IMHO. One, they could let hundreds of people throw baseballs at him( I'll be there) or two( and i like this one), they could strap dead fish to him and put him in a room with this guy and a few of his closest friends. So this guy thinks he's special because he can throw a ball well, lets see him dive from 100 feet and catch a fish with his bare hands, then i'll be impressed!

[Beverlybaynes]

The Lansing Lugnut, the team for which this idiot now plays, is coming to town in about 10 days for several games. I may have to go to one and -- well, I want to indulge in some namecalling, but I may have to let my common sense reign.

At the very least, I want to go and BOOOOO!!!!!!

Pauloly, that is a terrific pic!!

[SunnyJon]

Pauly-That is a wonderful shot! Thanks!
As to the idiot-should have to do a million hours volunteer work at one of the bird rescue places cleaning cages-with his tongue!! Wonder if the bird had babes in the nest?:(

[Paulyoly]

Originally posted by SunnyJon
Pauly-That is a wonderful shot! Thanks!
As to the idiot-should have to do a million hours volunteer work at one of the bird rescue places cleaning cages-with his tongue!! Wonder if the bird had babes in the nest?:(

Thanks Jon, you can vote for a similar pic in the photo competition.:t:

The news reporters said that he had a mate and babies, i wonder what was done about the babies and mother, the male osprey is the sole provider while babies are in the nest. If nothing was done then the mother either abandoned them or else left the nest and something got them. So it might be a double or triple homicide!

[wizard]

Would the guy get away with it in the UK?. Now he should be banned from playing in his sport after the warnings he had to stop throwing at the Osprey.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RSPB urge vigilance over Peregrine Falcon Persecution
South Wales is one of the UK strongholds of the Peregrine. This article, by Andrew Clarke, recently appeared in the Western Mail newspaper, and highlights the RSPB's concerns over the persecution of this magnificent falcon in the local area.

Alert Over Peregrine Attackers

One of the most devastatingly beautiful birds of prey on earth is in danger of being persecuted to extinction in Wales. Farmers have been urged to report anything suspicious, particularly any findings of poisoned baits in an attempt to stop the persecution of the peregrine falcon. The peregrine, which is the fastest flying predator on earth, is also one of the most persecuted birds in the UK and conservationists fear that the campaign will continue in the South Wales area during the current breeding season.
In recent years, the number of reported incidents against peregrines has been at their highest ever, and South Wales is one of the hot spots in the UK for these cruel acts. Over the past three years, the RSPB has been told of 11 incidents in the South Wales area, resulting in the death of at least 7 peregrine falcons.
The society in Wales is sure that this number is significantly higher as many more incidents may go undetected. "We believe that these appalling crimes are being carried out by a minority of disgruntled pigeon fanciers who mistakenly believe that peregrines kill a significant amount of racing pigeons," said RSPB investigations officer, Chris Townend. "This was highlighted by the prosecution in 2001 of two pigeon fanciers for using a poison bait in an attempt to kill a peregrine falcon."
Poisoning is by far the biggest problem for peregrines in South Wales, but incidents of shooting, nest destruction and thefts are also reported. Mr Townend said, "We are urging farmers, landowners and the general public to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious, particularly the finding of poisoned baits. If anyone comes across a dead pigeon tethered by its leg, there is a high chance that it is laced with poison in the hope that the peregrine will feed off it and die." Mr Townend said that other animals, such as cats and dogs can fall victim to the bait. "If you see someone acting suspiciously where you know peregrines are nesting, please get in contact."
Peregrines are one of the most spectacular birds that live in Wales. They are swift and agile in flight, with a fast wing beat and long glides. They chase prey and attack from below or will spot something a long way off, rise very high and fly fast towards it, dropping quickly with wings folded to increase momentum. They are beginning to seek out places to nest and will lay their eggs in March or April.

Watch a Pair

The Peregrine Watch at Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, will be launched this spring. Visitors to the park will be able to follow the progress of a pair of peregrines as they prepare to raise their young.
There are about 1,285 pairs of peregrines in the UK, breeding on cliffs, quarries and rock faces. They lay three to four eggs in March of April. The female does most of the incubation, which lasts 28-33 days.
Peregrines can be identified by their finely spotted breast, blackish top of head and black moustache that contrasts with their white face. Once used by kings for falconry, peregrines were specially protected, but persecution by gamekeepers and egg collectors lead to their decline in most of Britain. During World War II, peregrines were deliberately killed to protect homing pigeons used to carry messages. After the war, they were affected by agricultural chemicals. It is only now that they are recovering .
cut & pasted from http://www.glamorganbirds.org.uk/ who i am sure would not mind.

[Paulyoly]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wizard
[B]Would the guy get away with it in the UK?. Now he should be banned from playing in his sport after the warnings he had to stop throwing at the Osprey.


He's not going to get away with it, but he's probably not going to have to pay for it either, he's been charged with animal cruelty which has a max fine of $500 and up to 60 days in jail, i'm sure he'll never see jail. $500 is nothing to this guy, he was signed for $1.3 million. I think a fine of 10% of ones annual income would make him think twice about ever injureing another animal, 10% of 1.3 million is $130,000, that's more like it. I'll right my congressmen, but i'm sure it won't do any good.

[Beverlybaynes]

Here's a thought: in addition to writing to your congressman, why not also write the INS, or whatever it's called now, so that perhaps something would be entered into his file there? That way, if he would ever apply for citizenship, or to renew his work visa, this would be noted.

Have no idea if this would help or not, but it might make more people aware.

[Beverlybaynes]

Of course, the other side of this thought is: why is such a fine soooooo low?

I assume the charges are being brought in Florida, since that's where the incident happened. What about writing letters to the papers, etc., in an effort to apply a little public pressure on the justice system to make this charge and fine STICK?

There's a big BIG bunch of birders out there, and if we would all act in unison.......

[Paulyoly]

Originally posted by Beverlybaynes
Of course, the other side of this thought is: why is such a fine soooooo low?

I assume the charges are being brought in Florida, since that's where the incident happened. What about writing letters to the papers, etc., in an effort to apply a little public pressure on the justice system to make this charge and fine STICK?

There's a big BIG bunch of birders out there, and if we would all act in unison.......

Hey Bev, that's a good idea, i think i will email my local paper and every Daytona paper and papers in the area that ran a story, surely they will do a follow up, i will even include an osprey pic, believe it or not a lot of people don't know what an osprey is.

Yes the charges are being brought in Florida, he will have to return here for his court date, i think i want to go to speak on behalf of the osprey. I jokingly said to my wife that i wanted to find a lawyer who would sue on behalf of the osprey's( Ozzy ) family and any money won could go to a wildlife conservation group. I don't think you can sue on behalf of a bird though, it's a shame.

[jayhunter]

I agree entirely with denise's comments, however I would like a few shots at his nether regions with a good old fashioned English cricket ball!!

[Beverlybaynes]

Great idea, Paulyoly! Keep us posted on the outcomes.

And I LOVE the idea of suing on behalf of Ozzy. There's surely a lawyer out there who would take the case on!

[Joan & Matt]

The Lansing Lugnuts are the hometown team here: Laingsburg is a village just outside of Lansing (basically, a "bedroom community" of Lansing). The Lugnuts are notably family- and community-oriented and have huge community support: just about every elementary school, church group, business, and department at MSU arranges field trips/outings to the games. News of this hit the area around May first; I have saved a file of e-mails related to the subject . Would like you to know, outrage reached such a fever pitch (no pun intended) that moderation was asked for even by representatives of local animal welfare and rescue groups. It was repeatedly suggested, and the suggestions generally well received, that energies be focused upon public education, awareness, and making sure Jae-kuk Ryu is "rehabilitated" rather than focusing energies only on retaliation against him (some very creative ones were suggested -I feared for his safety). Please do not interpret this as a plea that he be let off lightly: I am certain, judging from what I have gathered so far that he will not, and I would not support that myself. However, a lynch-mob mentality had been reached, and many of us locally are now trying to deal with it as constructively as possible while addressing the despicable crime with all due
seriousness.

I very much like the idea of suing on Ozzy's behalf, and don't recall that being suggested here. Don't know much about the law, but certainly there must be a legally acceptble party whom has been harmed, like the public? I'll bring it up to the local group, bet they'll jump on it! Beat's a public lynching, to be sure!

By the way, I'd be happily pass on any more good ideas to the locals.
(J)

[Beverlybaynes]

Joan, thanks for your voice of moderation. The Fort Wayne Wizards are very community-oriented here, too, and well-supported. And going to their games in our small lovely stadium (although I haven't in a long time, shame on me!) is really fun and nice.

Going for 'rehabilitation' of this young man IS a good way to go, but I do still feel he should face the legal repercussions of breaking the laws that protect these species. Agreed, the fine will appear quite paltry to someone who has signed a contract the size of his, but I'd just love to see a 'punishment' of community service -- preferably with nature center or rehab facility of some sort -- added to the fine.

Let him see and learn first-hand the beauty, magnificence and vulnerability of the wildlife on this planet, and perhaps in a very small way, contribute to its maintenance and recovery.

But deep down inside, I STILL wanna go fling old fish at him!!

[Paulyoly]

Originally posted by Beverlybaynes
Joan, thanks for your voice of moderation. The Fort Wayne Wizards are very community-oriented here, too, and well-supported. And going to their games in our small lovely stadium (although I haven't in a long time, shame on me!) is really fun and nice.

Going for 'rehabilitation' of this young man IS a good way to go, but I do still feel he should face the legal repercussions of breaking the laws that protect these species. Agreed, the fine will appear quite paltry to someone who has signed a contract the size of his, but I'd just love to see a 'punishment' of community service -- preferably with nature center or rehab facility of some sort -- added to the fine.

Let him see and learn first-hand the beauty, magnificence and vulnerability of the wildlife on this planet, and perhaps in a very small way, contribute to its maintenance and recovery.

But deep down inside, I STILL wanna go fling old fish at him!!

I like the idea of community service, rodman dam, which is home to MANY! osprey, where i take all my osprey pics, could use a lot of cleaning up, the local kids use the sand pits on the other side of the dam as a hang out to drink beer and party, there must be a million broken beer bottles there, he could start by picking up all that broken glass. Well i think they should atleast give him the full punishment, 60 days in jail or i start throwing fish with Beverly!

[Joan & Matt]

Thanks Guys, and please don't stop your personal efforts to see that this issue is properly addressed because of what I've said. I wanted to let you know how things stood locally. On April 29, this response to an e-mail sent to The Lugnuts was posted on a state-wide site: "I am sure by now you have heard that the Lugnuts front office staff has no control and makes no decisions about what players we receive from our farm team, the Chicago Cubs. If you wish to voice your opinion to them you can email them at fanfeedback@cubs.mlb.com", so if you wish, there is a place to start. I will keep you posted as to what is happening locally as I learn more. (J)

[davebroadley]

'Tis a pity that the pillory is not in fashion and people could pay (donations to a good cause)to fling manure at him, but , rationally, perhaps a year or two at a wildlife refuge / hospital as a volunteer might be the answer.
Please keep us informed on the OZZY saga.

[LezH]

'Sport' is at fault. Here in the UK there seems to be almost no meaningful punishment for high value players (and sometimes even low-value fans if they're in sufficient number). One example (of very many) is that two football players from Leeds United beat a guy up in a nightclub and the resultant penalty was absolutely derisory. These two (rhymes with) glass poles, were given the equivalent (relative to me) of a 5p fine and a Really Serious Telling Off and allowed to continue their lucrative career for the same club who didn't have the moral (rhymes with) halls or decency to get rid of them. One of them, I think, went on to represent our wonderful country in an international match.

But I showed them who's the boss alright. Know what I did? I stop watching Leeds. You may scoff but you should see the difference it's made to their position in the league.

I wonder how long this guy of yours would last as a player if everyone boycotted their next few matches.

Wouldn't happen, would it?

[Joan & Matt]

Very much suggested, Lez, and supported by many! The problem being, Lansing is basically a manufacturing town (General Motors), although the profile is changing slowly along with the times. Lansing is not particularly sophisticated, despite being the capitol of Michigan. East Lansing is a separate city altogether, and has the University (MSU). However, Lansing is still basically labor and union. If we boycott the games, a lot of “mom and pop” restaurants and small businesses will suffer notably. The Lugnuts’ park is located downtown in “Old Lansing”. Because the Lugnuts have no control over whom is sent to the team by the Chicago Cubs, this idea was for the most part abandoned; boycotters would have absolutely no economic impact on the people whom sent Jae-kuk Ryu to Lansing, and we would be hurting the local small businesses we wish to support!

[LezH]

Yeah - it was tongue in cheek, but even if I'd been serious I can see that it wouldn't have been feasible the way the game is structured over there. But, had Lugnuts had player control, my next suggestion would have been to boycott the actual games and spend some time and money in the local restaurants and businesses, where possible, instead. As it is, I hope you can get to see a tape of Monty Python's lock-keeper's fish dance so Jae-kuk Ryu will REALLY know he's been slapped with a fish.

I seriously hope this glass pole gets his just desserts.